Key takeaways:
- The Biden administration’s nominee to run the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was withdrawn due to lack of support in the Senate.
- The White House and Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg blamed the withdrawal on “unfounded Republican attacks” and “partisan attacks”.
- It remains to be seen who will be chosen to fill the role of FAA Administrator.
The Biden administration has suffered a setback after the withdrawal of their nominee to run the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Phillip Washington, the CEO of Denver International Airport, had been chosen for the role but was unable to garner enough support in the closely divided Senate.
A White House official blamed the withdrawal on “an onslaught of unfounded Republican attacks on Mr. Washington’s service and experience” and said that “despite Senate Republicans’ months-long, relentless campaign to sink the nomination of a qualified military veteran, our Administration believes that service in uniform is an asset.”
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg also commented on the withdrawal, calling Washington “an excellent nominee” and blaming undeserved and partisan attacks.
Although Democrats and allied independents could have pushed the nomination through, key senators on their side balked at supporting Biden’s pick. Republicans had been united in opposition to Washington, calling him unqualified because of limited aviation experience.
The withdrawal of the nomination is a setback for the Biden administration, and it remains to be seen who will be chosen to fill the role of FAA Administrator.
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